Ace of Spades for Mac combines Minecraft-style gameplay with team death-match online multiplayer competition. Join or create a server, choose the green or red team and get fighting!

Work in progress

Still under development, Ace of Spades really does look a lot like Minecraft, with its pixellated blocky style. But the team combat gives it a very different feel. Building and digging in Ace of Spades is more about making walls and trenches for the battle. The newbie guide even warns you not to be too creative, as your 'buildings will be destroyed'!

Gameplay

There are three guns: a rifle, machine gun and shot gun. You area also equipped with grenades and a spade for digging. You can talk to your team mates in secret to coordinate tactics. Despite the simplistic shooting and graphics, the gameplay is really satisfying. Digging and building adds an interesting dynamic to the game, and some of the servers have really well-designed levels to battle over.

Getting started

Ace of Spades does have its problems. Changing your player name is awkward, and battles can seemingly go on without end. However, these issues will no doubt be ironed out as the game develops. Where Ace of Spades isn't very user friendly, there is at least an extensive Wiki where you can find answers, as well as the newbie guide.

Ace of Spades is a fun release in what is becoming 'the Minecraft genre'. It's free to play, so get involved!

Download Ace of Spades Preview 0.75 in Softonic

Call of Duty has established itself as one of the greatest game series ever. With consistently improving graphics and AI, one of the only real criticisms it has faced of late was the repetitive nature of its setting. World War II is a fascinating, multi-theater world for games to approach in many ways: but how about something different? Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is the answer to that request. This game plunges you head-first into a present-day battlefield, even more fast-paced than its predecessors.

Call of Duty 4 features a range of combat situations, including the use of anti-tank weapons, the destruction of an anti-aircraft battery and at least one seriously fast-paced, confusing fire fight. The graphics in Call of Duty 4 are top notch, and we didn't notice any lag even at higher-end settings, although older Macs may struggle. There's also a multi-player mode if things get a bit to easy or dull.

Call of Duty 4 is built on a new proprietary engine which offers much better support for up-to-the-minute lighting effects, clearly visible in this test mission. Another aspect of the new engine makes for a really interesting change to gameplay. Some forms of cover (a light wooden fence, for example), won't offer you much protection like they did in years gone by. While buildings are not destructible, many elements of the Call of Duty 4 environment (like cars and, yes, light wooden fences) are easily destroyed with gunfire. Heavier weapons can cut through heavier cover too, "Shoot them through the wall!" you're ordered at one point.

All this added realism makes the general quality of Call of Duty 4 gameplay really high. We noticed great improvements in AI, even on easier levels of difficulty where previous games may have left you feeling somewhat silly.

One slight disadvantage of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on Mac is that you can't use a trackpad as it requires a mouse with a right-click button. It's also a pretty hefty file at around 7GB and it demands a lot from your CPU and RAM - ideally you need a MacBook Pro to prevent any lag.

Fast paced, intense and varied: awesome graphics and involving gameplay make Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare a must-have for any self-respecting gamer.

Download Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare for Mac 1.7.2 in Softonic

AirAttack was first released on iOS to compete with other similar games such as the excellent Space Invaders Infinity Gene. AirAttack is a great addition to the pool. You control a WWII style plane as it flies through wave after wave of enemy aircraft and ground vehicles. There's nothing new about that, but it's done with great style.

AirAttack is presented in quasi-3D, with bright and detailed graphics. While it's impressive to look at, the bullets and rockets you need to avoid are all very clear. The game is split into stages, and between them you can upgrade your plane in a shop (of course!). There are end and mid level boss battles, some great set pieces like an enemy train you have to bomb.

AirAttack has excellent options too - you can choose from four controls, tilt, d-pad and two types of touch control. There are three difficulty levels. If you have an older device, you can even lower the graphics settings. The sound is also excellent, with good effects and an orchestral score.

AirAttack is a great arcade shoot 'em up. With it's excellent graphics and impressive set pieces, this is the ideal foil to the minimalism of Space Invaders Infinity Gene

Download AirAttack 1.0 in Softonic

Due to an accident, Jensen's eye has been replaced with a bionic one which gives him cyborg like powers of sight (check out The Eyeborg Documentary for the backdrop to this).

Like the Mass Effect series, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is an 'immersive simulation', with a wonderfully realized world full of people to interact with, where player choice is instrumental in the storyline. The great thing about the game is that you really can play how you like, and you aren't punished for changing your mind.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution can be played stealthily, or aggressively, and you can mix up your style as you feel fit. Your actions and words have an effect on how the story plays out, which not only feels great when you're playing but gives the game plenty of replay value.

The gameplay in Deus Ex: Human Revolution is excellent. While the controls may take a while to get used to, they work really well. In fire-fights, shooting and cover are excellent, while the up-close kills that Adam Jensen preforms are suitably gruesome.

The world of Deus Ex: Human Revolution is stylish, and characters are well acted and animated. The only major criticisms of the game are that the boss fights are disappointing, and there are some pretty long load times as well. Despite this, it is still hugely enjoyable and immersive.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution is deep and immersing, with excellent gameplay that allows players to be really creative. Do not miss.

Download Deus Ex: Human Revolution for Mac Ultimate Edition in Softonic

Using keyboard to move left, right and jump, alongside the mouse for aiming and shooting, each level sees you blasting asteroids while trying to avoid being hit by them. in Super Obliteration, as with Pang, shoot a big asteroid, and it splits into two smaller, faster ones. Power-ups are dropped as you destroy things, and although the graphics are quite blocky even for a 16-bit game, this remake adds some shiny explosion effects.

The space setting, laser gun and power ups give Super Obliteration more intense gameplay than cheerful Pang, although this is just a one player game. Anyone who enjoys Asteroids, Pang or shoot 'em ups in general will enjoy Super Obliteration. It's pretty simple, but it's good for mindless high score chasing, and has a nice retro 90s feel to it. controls are configurable, but there's not

Super Obliteration is a fast paced, simple arcade game great for retro fans, and anyone who wants a quick five minute blast.

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Your task in Quake 4 is to go deep into the heart of the Strogg war machine and take-on a series of heroic missions to destroy the barbaric alien race. Quake 4 takes off exactly where Quake 2 left off with the Earth's fleet launching a massive offensive to the planet Stroggos.

As Matthew Kane, your task is to fight alongside other Marines and other mechanized walkers and hover tanks to defeat Strogg and their cyborgs. The game is built on the same technology used in Doom 3 and features the same fast-paced multiplayer gameplay. However, the types of enemies you come up against in Quake 4 are similar to those in Quake 3 and the plot doesn't vary enough to distinguish itself from its predecessor.

Quake 4 is an action packed first person shooter that won't disappoint fans of Quake 3 although lacks a little originality.

Download Quake 4 1.4.3 in Softonic

It will fully update any previous version of Quake 4 to version 1.4.2. It is recommended for all users. This update affects pure server and protocol consistency, and adds a number of other multiplayer fixes including support for QUAKE 4 TV.

Your task is to go deep into the heart of the Strogg war machine and take on a series of heroic missions to destroy the barbaric alien race. Quake 4 takes off exactly where Quake 3 left off with the Earth's fleet launching a massive offensive to the planet Stroggos.

As Matthew Kane, your task is to fight alongside other marines and other mechanized walkers and hover tanks to defeat Strogg and their cyborgs. The game is built on the same technology used in Doom 3 and features the same fast-paced multiplayer gameplay. However, the types of enemies you come up against are similar to those in Quake 3 and the plot doesn't vary enough to distinguish itself from it's predecessor.

Quake 4 SMP Patch is an action packed first person shooter that won't disappoint fans of Quake 3 although lacks a little originality.

Download Quake 4 1.4.2 SMP Patch in Softonic

Available on Mac and PC through Steam, now there is little excuse not to play one of the most original and enigmatic games of the last decade. In Portal you play a test subject, who is awoken by GLaDOS, a robot who runs the Aperture Laboratories and sends you on a series of tests 'for science'. Some of them may not be safe, but as she says, 'there will be cake' once it's over.

Original

Portal's big idea is the the 'handheld portal device', that allows subjects to open portals between two places. This means that instead of climbing a ladder for example, you can shoot a portal at the bottom, and another at the top, and simply walk through. It's makes more sense when you play! Check out the explanatory video here.

Graphics and gameplay

Portal looks good even though it was originally released in 2007, thanks to its clean, minimalist laboratory style. In game physics are absolutely perfect, and using the portals is great fun once you get the hang of it. It's such a great idea, you might find yourself wishing you could use them in real life too! The puzzles get pretty tough, but the learning curve makes sure you're ready for the challenges when the time comes.

The incredible thing about Portal is that is manages to be a compelling first person 3D adventure where your character never shoots a gun. There is a mystery behind who you are, what Aperture Science is and more, and it's fascinating to discover what's going on while you solve the puzzles. GLaDOS is one of the most iconic and effective 'baddies' you will meet in a video game too.

Conclusion

Portal is a must play. Download the demo right away and get going! Portal is an unforgettable experience, and thankfully the adventure continues in the equally brilliant sequel!

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There is a distinct lack of First Person Shooter games on the Mac so Warsow tries to plug the gap with a futuristic take on the genre.

You play the role of the hero in a cartoon graphic world where you take-on rocket launcher-wielding pigs and laser gun-carrying cyberpunks in a variety of different worlds. The controls are fairly simple - you jump, dash, dodge and wall-jump your way through the game using the arrow keys, the mouse to aim and shoot, and a "special key" to speed-dash.

As you progress, you have to grab power-ups, plant bombs and ultimately, steal the enemy flag. However, there are variations on the aim such as Team Deathmatch, Clan Arena and Duels. If you've got any scripting knowledge, you can even create your own gametype using the gametype scripting system.

When you start the game, you have to join one that's already in progress. The problem is that many of these have passwords you have to be sure to select one that's open to all. It's advisable to follow the game tutorial first which you can find in the "Demos" menu. The overall graphics aren't bad for a free game and jumping off walls and speed dashes adds some spice to it. You can also cycle through an impressive array of weapons using the mouse wheel.

Joining and leaving a game can be a pain though. You have to wait a while to join a new game and if you are killed, it takes a long time before you can rejoin.

Overall though, Warsow is a well designed and lovingly put together First Person Shooter game with a thriving community of users to have fun blowing away.

Download Warsow 0.61 in Softonic

Caster is like going to a 3D rave, running around like you're on acid trying to shoot weird bugs while all the while listening to pumping dance music.

If that's not enough to make you give Caster a try I don't know what is because it's a lot of fun. Caster sees you dash across a 3D world destroying bug like creatures called the Flanx using 6 Unique Attacks that include "Massive Terrain Deformation" and "High Speed Barrages of Energy Blasts". Any game that includes special moves like those, has to be good, right?

The game takes the format of a storyboard where your mission commander spells out exactly what you have to do. To begin with, you take part in a training exercise where your aim is simply to blast away the targets in front of you. The annoying this is that you can only use the keyboard to move but you can use the mouse to shoot. In single window mode, trying to remove the mouse from the screen without pausing it is impossible which is really annoying if you have something urgent to take care of on your desktop or if you want to take a screenshot.

The soundtrack is pure Ibiza and the movement of the character is superb however. The first few worlds are rather plain and boring but then the colors get more intense as you move on to blasting the bugs after the practice sessions.

Caster is an excellent game that's a bit crazy but that's what I like about it. The controls let it down though - it would be much more fun sliding around with the mouse instead of keyboard.

Download Caster 1.3.5 in Softonic

The Polynomial demo features eleven 3D arenas, all made from mathematically-generated fractal scenery. These glowing arenas are really pretty to look at, and you can spend quite a while just flying around in Polynomial's easy mode, admiring the sights. If you want more disorientating visuals, press the Esc key and enable the Dynamic Reactor for a weird color changing effect that the developer warns may induce dizziness!

The aim of Polynomial is high scores, achieved through shooting the red enemies on your radar. With difficulty on Insane level, it really is fast-paced and intense, but on the easier levels it's not too difficult. The controls, using the WASD keys and the mouse are fine, and aren't complicated enough to distract you from the graphics.

Polynomial is quite an abstract shooter experience, but it's so attractive you probably won't care!

Download Polynomial v100 Demo in Softonic

The developers describe BZFlag as like a mix between 'Battlezone' and 'Tank Battle' which is a pretty fair assessment. Your aim, along with other players, is to drive around an arena and blast other enemy tanks. The 3D effects are much improved in this second release and do a good job of creating a fairly realistic multi-tiered battle arena.

These are no ordinary tanks that you're in charge of either. Tanks can jump, boost their weaponry and develop new battle techniques by capturing 'power-up' flags littered around the playing field. This flag retrieval aim is where the game gets its "BZFlag" name from. Tanks have to run over flags to gain powerups which enable them to drive through walls or use rocket launchers and lasers to blow away the most solid objects.

Generally, controlling the tanks is easy but when it comes to using advanced weapons, it's a bit more difficult because its hard to remember all the keys you need to use. Also, you can't play BZFlag on your own - its multiplayer only so you need an internet connection.

Give BZFlags a chance and you will see how addictive it is.

Download BZFlag 2.0.16 in Softonic

3D Paradise Paintball allows you to play against other players within your web browser. Simply choose whether to play multiplayer or a single game. In addition, you can play against people in Facebook if you're invited to do so by another user. In single player mode, alien like plastic looking targets will pop up around you as you wade through sand and water to attack them. This isn't very hard and you can change weapon by scrolling up and down with your mouse wheel. The guns though all seem to be of the live ammunition type from machine guns to grenade launchers - not the safest kind of paintball you'll ever play!

The most fun is joining a multiplayer game where you run around blowing up other LAN based opponents. The surrounding graphics are excellent but the opponents themselves look like poor 3D aliens. You can take several hits - as can they - before they finally get "splatted" and as you run around you can pick up different bonuses such as run faster, walk on water, immortality etc. The problem is there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to the game - if you were in teams it would be more fun but it's literally every man for himself with no instructions as to what you're really supposed to achieve other than blowing everyone away.

Despite the name, 3D Paradise Paintball has little to do with paintballing although it's still a decent attempt at a 3D POV shoot-em-up game.

Download 3D Paradise Paintball Widget 3.0.4 in Softonic

If you like your games fast and furious but not too complicated with a touch of strategy at the same time, then you might like Turret Wars Retro.

Turret Wars Retro is a simple fast paced 3D arcade game, where as the name suggest, it's all about blowing-up other turret guns before they get you. When you start the game, you can select a wide variety of screen resolution settings and a graphics quality from "Fastest" to "Fantastic" which is a rather confusing grading system. You can also select to keep the game windowed from the start so it doesn't consume your whole screen. Clicking on "Input" reveals the controls (mainly the cursor keys) and allows you to configure them too by clicking on each one.

There are 6 playing environments in Turret Wars Retro each with their own difficulties and strategies or you can select RANDOM and let the game choose for you. You can also choose from four different gun turret types, each with slightly different weapon and armor or projectile features. Finally, you can choose to fight against between one and seven other computer controlled gun turrets in three different difficulty levels. Each difficulty level also introduces differing wind conditions.

When you start, a small map in the bottom right hand corner shows you where the turrets you have to destroy are. To see more closely however, the trick is to fire missiles in their general direction so that you can gauge at what angle you need to point your turret. The principles are very simple and its quite absorbing trying to aim your turret precisely at the right angle to take out your enemies. Your armor can take around 10 to 15 shell hits but after that, its game over and on your first try, you won't get very far.

If you want to prove how good you are at Turret Wars Retro, High scores are saved on the developer game server so you can compare your scores against other players around the world, based on difficulty level, environment and enemy turrets being fought.

The fact that you have unlimited ammunition could make Turret Wars Retro a little too easy once you get to grips with the game but its quite an absorbing game for those that like battle games that are very simple to play.

Download Turret Wars Retro 1.7.7 in Softonic

Galaga is a videogame classic, a title that took Space Invaders and gave it speed and wow factor. With Insectoid, indie developers Actionsoft have taken that template and polished it up for today's gamers.

You control one of four space ships, and can move side to side along the bottom of the screen, avoiding enemy fire while trying to shoot them yourself. Some enemies drop power-ups, giving you increased firepower and allowing you to use your secondary special ability, which varies depending on the ship you use.

What Insectoid does with the ageing format is add speed and beautiful backgrounds. Enemies move quickly, and you have a limited time to get them before they 'escape' - this means its not too hard to beat levels, but it is hard to kill everything, so there's always plenty of room for high score improvements! The backgrounds change with each level and are really impressive, and really give the game atmosphere.

The levels in the demo are short, and varied which keeps Insectoid interesting, as does the choice of space ship and all the power-ups. There are three difficulty levels, although even the hard setting isn't brutal by shoot 'em up standards (anyone who's played Ikagura will understand). The demo is only 7 levels long, but there are 50 in the full game, and as hard mode features no continues, it's sure to be a challenge!

Insectoid is a graphical treat with plenty of alien variety to keep you coming back to kill more. The difficulty level makes it perfect for newcomers to the genre too.

Download Insectoid 1.0.0 in Softonic

In terms of originality, Teeworlds scores top marks. Described by some as "Cute little buggers with guns" it's an online multiplayer shooter that's tricky to get the hold of, but compulsive when you have.

If you've ever played Worms or Bubble Bobble then you'll find yourself at home with Teeworlds. Starting the game is almost as tricky as playing it though. There are very few instructions and on startup, you're asked to choose a character which all look the same, but with slightly different colors. After that, you're presented with a huge number of servers. Connect to one, and you'll be taken immediately to an online world of mayhem where the "cute buggers with guns" are going trigger crazy.

You can kick, hammer and shoot the other players online, all of which you're playing against in real-time. You can use the mouse to scroll across the world you're in but control of your character is limited to the keyboard which is a bit annoying. A/D moves your "Tee" left and right, W/spacebar makes it jump, and the mouse is used to aim and fire.

Your aim is to capture the flag without being beaten up by another gamer which is incredibly hard because you get bombarded from the word go. If you want to setup your server just to play against friends, then unfortunately you can't on a Mac yet, although it sounds like this will be fixed in future releases.

Fun, action packed and buzzing with gamer, Teeworlds will appeal to those who are familiar with games such as worms although others may find it too frustrating to understand

Download Teeworlds 0.5.2 in Softonic

Frobot is a pseudo 3D top down action puzzle game, with a futuristic blaxploitation theme.

Movement is done via the keyboard, while aiming and most actions are handled by the mouse. The first level acts as a tutorial, introducing you to all of Frobot's abilities, and how they can be used to solve puzzles. Unfortunately, after level one Frobot loses all but one of his powers, which are then introduced through the game as you rescue your kidnapped robot girlfriends! Who says robots can't have girlfriends?

This makes the second level a little dull, which is a shame. The puzzles aren't too hard, although some are based on times shooting, and bouncing bullets off walls into targets, and this requires a little skill. Your Frobot looks good and is well animated, as are the baddies, but the environments are a little dull and could do with more polish. This makes the sometimes repetitive puzzles seem a chore when funkier backgrounds would have made it all cool!

This is a demo, and the full version's not out 'till 2010, so perhaps it'll be deveolped a bit more before then. As it stands Frobot is a good idea, but a robot in an afro isn't enough to lift it out of mediocrity.

Frobot has the makings of a cool puzzler, but needs fresher environments and music to really get its groove on.

Download Frobot Demo in Softonic

There are various flight sims out there but there are very few that are totally free. FlightGear bucks this trend to offer a user-friendly but realistic introduction to the skies, all built on open source programming.

FlightGear might not be as realistic or polished as Microsoft Flight Simulator X or X-Plane but it's still an impressive package, especially considering its free. Like most flight sims however, the installation and startup takes a good 5-10 minutes to install the various backdrops and 3D graphics. Once started, you're presented with around 20 planes to select ranging from Messerschmitts to Cessnas. Next up, you're asked to select somewhere to fly around from choice of 30 locations. You can download a whole lot more – enough to fill 3 DVDs, apparently – from the developer's website.

FlightGear can be controlled in two ways - through the command line and through a graphical wizard called 'fgrun'. Both do exactly the same thing but the wizard is recommended for ease of use. Once you're done with this, you hit the runway and off you go! There are no missions to complete or battles to win – it's simply a case of taking off, landing and enjoying the scenery.

The 3D graphics are surprisingly detailed and for those with programming know-how, the fact that it's open source means that the sky is literally the limit in terms of what you can create and do with FlightGear. Fancy flying a rocket from Washington to London or putting an ejector seat in a 747? Just make them yourself!

The major drawback of this FlightGear, however, is that it is very heavy on resources. Users of older machines may find loading times painful and the graphics sluggish, so it's recommended that you shut down all other applications or expand your RAM before trying FlightGear.

What makes FlightGear standout though is the fact that even taking control of the most complicated aircraft is possible due to the excellent tutorials on the developer site which take you step by step through take-off. Whilst most flight simulators are aimed at experienced flyers, FlightGear is designed for those who've never sat in a cockpit before but want to learn the essentials. The general interface is very clean and user friendly – there aren't too many unnecessary dials to confuse you. The game options in FlightGear are clearly presented at all times, as are the customization options. From here, you can specify everything from the time of day to the type of navigation panel and even the weather.

Another great feature of FlightGear is the ability to team-up with a friend and take to the skies over a network. Many users report that the lag time is incredibly short when playing over a network on FlightGear compared to professional sims such as Flight Simulator X. However, don't expect to log on being able to have dogfights and shoot passenger planes out of the sky – there's no arcade or action mode available as yet, although you could always program one yourself.

FlightPlane is a fantastic flight sim that will appeal more to novices than experts and is a great way to experience a semi-realistic flying experience without being a pro.

Download Flightgear 1.9.1 r232 in Softonic

Grappling hooks have often played a big part in comic book fiction and games like Bionic Commando, but they have never caught on in real life. For anyone upset about this tragic state of affairs, Grappling Hook is a novel 3D first person game where the excellent device is essential.

In fact, Grappling Hook might prove even to doubters that such a tool would be a great thing for use to use on a daily basis. Like the now iconic Portal (to which this owes an aesthetic debt), the game starts with little explanation, but a computer communicates to you along the way that you are in some kind of test, and all you have to do if find the right teleporter to finish.

Every level features some access codes which have to be collected to activate a teleporter to take you to the next level. As you proceed, the puzzle introduce you to moving creatively with the Grappling Hook. Again, Portal was similar in that the Portal gun challenged you to think about movement in a new way. The clean, bright graphics are simple but stylish, and mean that you're guaranteed a smooth and fast game that won't test your PC's processor too much.

In no time you'll be running, jumping and shooting yourself around the levels in Grappling Hook, which is really great fun to play while making you think.

Grappling Hook is a great game for action and puzzle fans alike, and it looks and sounds good with a nice sense of humor.

Download Grappling Hook Demo in Softonic

2D gaming seems to be coming back into fashion, and developer Sparky's Star Guard is a neat minimal reminder about what makes it great.

Available for Mac and Windows, this little game offers simplicity and really well balanced gameplay. There is some excellent level design that offers some memorable sequences. The minimal graphics prove that it is gameplay that matters, and also that old school graphics can still be effective.

The story - a spaceman battling through a castle to defeat an evil wizard - is told to you as you progress, and it helps drive the game. There are infinite lives, and regular check points which make it relatively easy. On the other hand there are some tricky passages, which would be horribly frustrating if they resulted in a game over. Once completed, a hard mode is unlocked, and you can practice any level in Trial mode.

Star Guard is a really enjoyable platform game, so don't be put off by the minimal 80s graphical style!

Download Star Guard 0.93 in Softonic